Something tragic happened in Galway. Something no one will talk about.

Now that’s what I call a suspenseful introduction to a new book.

Rhian J. Martin, in her debut novel, A Different Familiar, transports you to Galway, Ireland, where the rainy city provides an authentic Irish backdrop for her contemporary characters to uncover an unexpected mystery.

Rhian has graciously written a guest post to tell us about how the city of Galway inspired her writing and became the perfect setting for her first book.

She has also provided a signed copy of her novel for one lucky reader to win. But before entering the giveaway, let’s learn more about A Different Familiar.

And so, without further ado, let me hand you over to Rhian, to tell you the story of how Galway became the graveyard of hopes and dreams …..

Planning To Study In Ireland:

When I was twenty-one years of age, I spent some time living and studying in Galway, on the west coast of Ireland. It was also during this time that I completed research for my debut novel, entitled A Different Familiar.

Before I left the United States to embark on my first stint living internationally, I remember sitting down for a chat with a professor and friend of mine, who, learning that I’d decided to move to Galway instead of Dublin to pursue my literary endeavors, nodded knowingly and told me that:

“Galway’s the graveyard of hopes and dreams.”

I remember smiling politely, waiting for her to continue, despite thinking that it seemed a bit melodramatic to call a bustling Irish city something that sounded so dark and dismal.

“Many who go there find it impossible to leave,” she said.

“But I’ll have no choice. I will leave, eventually.”

“Not fully,” my professor answered, tapping her pen on the side of her head, gesturing to something that lurked within the deeper reaches of the mind. “No one ever does.”

Equipped and somewhat discomfited with this piece of cynical advice – or perhaps it was a warning – I packed my bags, flew across the Atlantic, and promptly fell in love with Galway, a place that, according to my professor, was supposed to digest the spirit right out of me.

Moving To Galway:

As the months passed and I comfortably ingratiated myself further into Galwegian life, I reflected on my professor’s words, never quite unpacking them enough to understand how I’d happily allowed Galway and all of her charms to swallow me up.

An ideal haven for writers, Galway provided me with all that I needed to finally pen my novel – a personal goal I’d carried with me since I was a child.

My notes, my research, and the early pieces of my novel from that time all reflect the idiosyncrasies I’d observed about Galway and Irish life in general.

Most of them are filled with fascination, intrigue, adoration, and a strange, lurking feeling of returning home to a place I’d never been to before – hardly the dark cynicism my professor had warned me about.

And then, one day, I left Galway. And I understood.

Haunted By Memories Of An Irish City:

When I arrived stateside and began to pen the rest of my novel, I was haunted by the memory of Galway. The more I wrote, the more it both healed and exacerbated the absolute heart-sickness I felt after having to leave such a place.

Eventually, I caught up with my professor friend after my return from Ireland.

This time, when she repeated that “Galway’s the graveyard of hopes and dreams,” it was no longer a warning, but a statement of absolute and undeniable truth.

It wasn’t something that I recoiled from, but something I was desperate for someone else to feel and understand as well.

There was a new camaraderie between us as two writers who had lived and studied and written in Galway, and as two people who had willingly left a part of themselves in that city that so easily persuades people to give her something of themselves.

But this is the deal we writers unknowingly strike upon arrival: Galway is our muse, and in return, she steals little pieces of our hearts and minds and souls away.

Galway – The Graveyard Of Ambition:

The thing is, that statement about Galway being the graveyard of hopes and dreams isn’t an uncommon or unheard of phrase. In fact, many Galwegians themselves attest to Galway’s reputation, albeit in its more popular form as “the graveyard of ambition.”

A fairly famous trope, “the graveyard of ambition” describes a place so enchanting that otherwise sensible people with dreams and goals find themselves lured by its loveliness, causing them to postpone or forget about their plans in favor of remaining blissfully within the city.

A part of me thinks that perhaps my professor had intentionally made the synonymic switch to keep my poor, ambitious, novelist’s heart from shattering – “hopes and dreams” sounds a bit more mythological and ambiguous than something as reality-laden as the term “ambition” – but perhaps, over the years and the miles, people have chosen what suits them best.

Rhian’s Great Galwegian Novel:

Years later, I still believe that, if Galway hadn’t been that graveyard for me, I wouldn’t have been able to write the book that exists today – my own “great Galwegian novel.”

It was through my hungry desire to be back within the bounds of that lovely Irish city that the story I tell in A Different Familiar was born.

Ironically enough, it was only through that death of my ambition in Galway that I did the most ambitious thing I’ve ever done in my life – I became a novelist.

It will come as no surprise to readers to know that the things we love often torture and haunt us the most. How could they not?

But not all haunting is horrid and unwanted – sometimes, it is the very lifeblood of our work.

Surely the ghosts of our pasts and the skeletons in our closets would agree. The ghosts of Galway would probably nod emphatically, too.

About Rhian J. Martin:

Rhian J. Martin is the author of A Different Familiar, a contemporary fiction novel that highlights cross-cultural and intergenerational connections forged between Irish and Irish-Americans in contemporary Galway.

Having studied English, History, and Irish Studies at both American and Irish universities, she endeavors to marry her interests within her literary work.

Rhian is currently at work on her second novel, which also takes place in the west of Ireland and addresses Irish matchmaking history.

You can find Rhian on her website and social media. Here are all her links:

The Giveaway:

One lucky reader will win a signed copy of A Different Familiar by Rhian J. Martin.

To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Sunday, April 14th, 2019.

Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if there is a special place in Ireland you find inspirational or unforgettable.

A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.

The winner will be announced on Sunday, April 14th, 2019, at the bottom of this blog post.

You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.

Many thanks to everyone who supports this book giveaway.

Rhian would be ever so grateful if you could share this post with family and friends and help spread the word about her writing.

And many, many thanks to Rhian for sharing this heart warming story about her time in Galway, the graveyard of hopes and dreams.

Winners Chosen April 14th, 2019:

Beth

I’ll be in touch to arrange mailing of your prize.

Many thanks to all who supported this little Irish American Mom giveaway and joined our discussion about how Ireland and Galway can keep a little piece of your heart forever. And wishing Rhian every success with her writing.

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

If you enjoyed this guest post, here are some other installments you might enjoy ….

Hi Leslie – Thanks so much for checking out this book – it would be a great read for any book club members who have ties to Ireland or just like exploring Irish culture. I hope your friend’s daughter will have a wonderful and informative time studying in Ireland. I hope she gets a chance to immerse herself in the wonders of Irish traditional music. All the best, Mairéad

Hi Danielle – It’s wonderful to hear you are exploring your Irish heritage and that DNA testing helped you discover your roots. Wishing you all the best as you explore all things Irish and I think this book would be a great way to explore the city of Galway and the heritage of the west of Ireland. All the best, Mairéad

Hi Janet – Galway is such an idyllic city, full of historical haunts and nooks and crannies, all the while hugging the coastline that is Galway Bay. It truly is a perfect setting for a novel, especially a mystery. Take care and thanks for stopping by. Mairéad

After my trip to Ireland last May, to research my ancestral heritage, I ended up in Galway at the end of my trip. It stole my heart to be sure, but alas I had to return home. I have pined for it ever since, and read any and everything related. I can’t wait to read this !

Hi Sue – Galway is a magical city for sure and it does call out to visitors to return over and over again. Not only the city is amazing, but the wild wilderness of western County Galway and Connemara is mesmerizing, even when it rains. I’m happy to learn you had such a lovely time in Ireland, especially in Galway. All the best, and happy reading as you explore this historical part of Ireland. Mairéad

Hi Mary – This book is definitely a great read for anyone interested in Ireland, and even more fascinating for anyone, like you, who has ties to Galway. Glad to hear you had the opportunity to visit Ireland and Galway last year. All the best, Mairéad

Hi Debbie – I highly recommend a stop in Galway on your next trip to Ireland. It’s a warm, welcoming city that’s brimming over with history, plus it’s the gateway to Connemara, where the scenery is wild and untamed, yet breathtakingly beautiful. All the best, Mairéad

I have had the pleasure of visiting Ireland twice. I also felt like I had returned home from the moment I stepped off the plane. There is and think always will be a tie and longing in my heart to return. The book sounds amazing and a must read for me. Thank you for sharing with us all.

Hi Sharon – So many Irish Americans feel as if Ireland is calling out to them to return. It’s lovely to know that even after two trips to Ireland you still feel a longing to return there. Thanks for checking out this new book. All the best, Mairéad

This sounds like a great read! My Father’s family all come from Galway (Clifden). My Mother’s people from Clare and Cork. I’ve been to Ireland four times in my life and hope to go at least once more in my lifetime! Thank you for letting us know about this novel.

Hi Jane – When I was a baby we lived in County Waterford. It’s a beautiful county, but I only have sketchy memories of my time there. We moved back to Dublin when I was only three years old. It’s lovely to learn that you feel so at home in Ireland. All the best, Mairéad

While I have visited a number of other countries, nowhere have I been made to feel as at home as I was in Ireland. My Irish grandfather was from the West of Ireland (Sligo) and my Irish grandmother from Waterford. We will be going back to Ireland again next year and hope to continue our explorations with the same joy as we did on the last trip.

Oh Maureen – it’s wonderful to hear you truly felt at home and welcome in Ireland, the land of your ancestors. I think your Irish heritage deepens that feeling of coming home when you are in Ireland. I truly believe there is an energy in Ireland which we instinctively appreciate. Many thanks for stopping by and letting us know about your Irish connections and your wonderful trips to my homeland. Take care, Mairéad

Hi Suzanne – I love this guest post and how Rhian explains her connection to Galway and how she left a little piece of her soul there when she left Ireland. I am quite certain she will return over and over again in the decades to come. All the best, Mairéad

Hi Deborah – I think you could visit Galway one hundred times and still discover something new. It is full of nooks and crannies, interesting stories, legends and myths. The Claddagh is one of my favorite spots and I love the history of this little independent village. All the best, and I do hope you make it back to Galways someday. Mairéad

Hi Maire’ad! I feel the book is already calling me to read it! I think I’ll just go ahead and order it, and if I happen to win this give away – I will do just that, give it away to a friend whom loves Ireland too! Thanks!

I love your story about your experience with Galway! I spent a few weeks there a couple years ago and I completely understand the home-sickness for the city. I found an unexpected home I will be returning in a few weeks and my heart sings with happiness. I cannot wait to read your book and would love to win a copy, but will gladly buy it as well.

Hi Lynette – Have a wonderful time in Galway, your unexpected home. May you experience the joy of this charming city and fill your soul with memories that will sustain you when you must leave again. Best wishes, Mairéad

I soak up almost anything on Ireland. Love to read about the country that my grandparents came from. My dad was a great story teller and will be looking forward to reading A Different Familiar. Sounds great! Thank you Sheila

I would love to chat with the author. My Mam was born and raised in Galway in the 1930-40’s. I can so relate to this. I’m so glad to know someone understands this issue. I’d love to write about my many childhood memories of being a child in hard times in Galway! Good for ye so proud ye understanding!

Hi Cat – It sounds like you truly understand the Rhian’s sentiments and connections to Galway. We would love to hear more of your childhood memories in Galway. Thanks so much for stopping by. All the best, Mairéad

I made my second trip to Ireland this past October; this time we stayed in Galway County. I loved the wild beauty of the western regions, from the perilous heights along the Wild Atlantic Way, to the magnificent views of the Twelve Bens in Connemara. We roamed as far north as Achill Island, and out to Inis Mor, one of the Aran Islands. As with my previous trip, upon arriving home, I felt that soul-yearning to return to Ireland. The country does steal your heart, and I believe that there is some genetic memory that makes it feel very familiar and comforting. I’ve been reading some of the old books by the Great Blasket Island authors (we visited the island on our previous trip), also Mary Lavin, Colm Toibin, John Banville, Sebastian Barry, Tana French; can’t wait to read A Different Familiar!

Hi Trish – I love the collection of Irish authors you listed. What a great reading list and way to immerse yourself in all things Irish. I agree with you about the rugged beauty and untamed magnificence of the west of Ireland. It sounds like you explored some places off the more beaten Irish tourist trail on your trip last October. I am not surprised to learn that you felt a sense of home sickness for Ireland when you returned home. Genetic memory is a good theory for why this might happen to many Irish Americans who visit the land of their ancestors. All the best, Mairéad

I have visited Ireland twice in the past 10 years and will be going back this fall. The west is an indescribable place; hauntingly beautiful, full of history going back thousands of years, wonderful people. It IS a place that has stuck in my heart, and when I have had to leave to come back home, a piece of my heart stays behind.

Hi Christel – I think Ireland steals a little piece of most tourists’ hearts and that perhaps is why so many Irish Americans return many, many times. Lovely to hear you will be returning this fall. Have a safe and memorable trip. All the best, Mairéad

When I was about 7 years old my Grandmother talked to me about “home”. Sitting with her surrounded by the brick and concrete of New York she talked of Ireland. Her pain and loss so real I can feel it today. She spoke of family left behind. She described country sided so green and lush that could be found no where else. She had been gone over 50 years but in her heart and memories it was only moments ago. The longing in her voice was so strong I actually felt it. She wasn’t morbid about her ramblings. Everything she spoke about was bright and green and loving and beautiful. It was the longing that she was feeling was so intense it filled the room.I am now 73 and I can still remember that day. The Irish came here for a chance of a better life. But Ireland lived in their hearts and heads their entire lives. Only a part of them made the trip here. The rest remained forever in Ireland.

Hi Barbara – Thank you for sharing your poignant memories of your grandmother. I can just picture her sitting in her New York apartment, dreaming of Ireland. “It was the longing that she was feeling was so intense it filled the room.” Those are powerful words that bear witness to the intensity of the emotions many Irish immigrants felt in their new homeland. But I love how you clarify that it was nothing negative. It wasn’t a lack of appreciation for all that America offered, but a longing in the heart for the warmth, kindness and beauty of an Irish childhood. And I believe you are correct, many immigrants left a little piece of their hearts in Ireland forever. All the best, Mairéad